Bruce Darata For Wheatland Township Assessor: Candidate Survey

WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Wheatland Township leadership could completely shift in the consolidated election on April 1. Four trustee seats as well as the supervisor, highway commissioner, clerk, tax collector and assessor roles are all up for grabs.

The Democratic candidates running include incumbent Michael Crowner for supervisor, Harry Benton for highway commissioner, current trustee Terry Jones for clerk and Jim Kopchok for tax collector. Margaret Tyson, Mary Frances, Matt Glowiak and Jeff Klein are running for trustee.

Wheatland United, as the Democratic party is known, is the incumbent party.

One Wheatland Republican candidates in the race include Brian Evans for supervisor, Bruce Darata for assessor, Todd Morse for highway commissioner, Tim Willmore for tax collector and Robert Whittier for clerk. Michael Krzywinski, David Furnish, Tom Brzyski and Randall Haap are trustee candidates.

The township is made up of 37 precincts covering parts of Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Naperville.

Patch sent surveys to Wheatland Township candidates ahead of the election. Responses will be published as they’re received. Take a look at Darata’s answers below:

Your name: Bruce Darata

Office sought: Assessor

Campaign website: www.onewheatland.com

Town of residence: Aurora

Party affiliation (if partisan race): Republican

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No.

Occupation: Licensed Certified General Commercial Real Estate Appraiser for over 15 years. I am currently licensed in five states.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Was an alternate for both DuPage and Kane County Boards of Review for 10 years. Current Geneva Township Deputy Assessor. Also past president and current board member of the Chicago Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

The most pressing issues facing Wheatland Township are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. The assessor's office has not replaced employees who have left. Rather than immediately hiring new employees, my focus will be to improve efficiency in the office. Also, as a commercial real estate appraiser, I bring more resources to the table in terms of market knowledge and databases. The assessor's office currently does not have access to these resources.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am running unopposed. However, the past few incumbents were not valuation experts or have my level of experience.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. Our slate is running on the platform of accountability, efficiency and transparency. As it applies to the assessor, my focus will be on an open-door policy. If a resident wants to appeal their assessment, I will gladly review any complaints. While I cannot guarantee the outcome will be favorable to everyone, I will make sure the value is well supported with unbiased and relevant market data.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I earned the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute, which represents an added layer of credentials; this includes peer review, successful passing of a 16-hour comprehensive exam and authoring an appraisal demo report. I have also developed and taught two state-approved classes concerning the assessment appeal process. I serve as a mentor for newer appraisers seeking to earn the MAI designation. I also review appraisals from across the United States. I have run a successful commercial real estate appraising business for over twelve years. I have been in the appraising profession for over 15 years. My reputation speaks for itself, as repeat clients continue to seek my services. I have experienced the assessment appeal process from every angle: as a board of review member, and as an appraiser providing evidence to appellants, interveners and assessors.

Why should voters trust you? As an appraiser, I must perform my duties with impartiality, objectivity and independence without accommodation of personal interests. I am accustomed to that mindset. I believe that has been what has contributed to my success in private business. I can be trusted to do the right thing. That is what I will bring to the assessor's office.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? Uniform and fair assessments in the township. Improved assessment appeal presentation of evidence, particularly for commerical cases.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I think it's important to audit the budget regularly and ask the tough questions, like "do we really need this?" Although our township is growing, it is important to seek ways to save money by increasing efficiency. In terms of the assessor office, I think I can offer assistance in this regard. In my business, I was able to drastically increase revenue without taking on any employees. I did this by eliminating non-value-added activities and focused on what was important in the work product.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town? Crime is low in my particular area. I thank local law enforcement for that. Most of the crimes committed are crimes of opportunity (leaving car doors or garages open or unlocked). That said, I think community awareness and education are keys to keeping us all safe.

What is your view of the village's approach to commercial and residential development? Commercial development is essential to meet the needs of the surrounding population. Also, a strong commercial presence helps keep the distribution of tax liability fair and equitable. There is a diminishing return though. Overdevelopment has a tendency to depress real estate value and, if done in an extreme fashion, can affect the health and well-being of the surrounding population.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen? I have seen examples where the voice of the people is not being heard. When these concerns are brought up at the township level, they need to be passed along to the particular governing municipality for review.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No, there is not.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I have lived in this township for over twenty years. I have a solid background in valuation and I understand the local economy which drives the real estate market. I am the current president of the Rotary Club of Aurora United, and I believe in the Rotary motto of service above self. My wife and I have raised our family here and I want to do everything I can to maintain and improve the quality of life in our community.